SOUTHWICK – The 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee will be holding their monthly meeting on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Southwick Town Hall.
At the last meeting in July, the committee discussed different monthly events that could be a part of the celebration. Some of the ideas include traditional events in Southwick like the town fireworks or the steak roast hosted by the Rotary Club. Other events are new ideas like a pumpkin carving contest or a 250th beer that will be created by Westfield River Brewery.
The 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee is seen discussing events at a past meeting. (WNG File Photo)
Select Board Vice-Chairman Russ Fox, who’s organizing the committee, acknowledged that it’s important to have the balance of both types of events.
“We’ve got to respect the past, but also forge ahead and include some of the new things,” said Fox.
With over 20 members on the committee, Fox said that there will always be a need for volunteers to help organize the 250th celebration.
“Some people don’t want to be on the committee,” said Fox. “They just want to help out, participate, and support it, and that’s great.”
In order to receive assistance for funding the events, Rep. Nick Boldyga announced that he’s helped secure $25,000 for the Town of Southwick to use towards the celebration. Along with the help from Sen. Don Humason, the $25,000 is a part of the $41.2 billion Fiscal Year 2019 budget signed by Gov. Charlie Baker on July 26.
“We’re happy to get something through the budget this year,” said Boldyga.
Pointing out that it’s a year-long celebration and certainly not inexpensive, Fox was pleased to hear the announcement.
“We’re (the committee) greatly appreciative of the work that Boldyga and Humason did,” Fox. “This is an important celebration for our committee.”
Besides the $25,000, the town has $5,000 left over from Southwick’s 225th anniversary along with $5,000 each that will be appropriated for both FY18 and FY19.
The Southwick Civic Fund, a non-profit organization in the community, will be assisting the committee by managing any money raised for the 250th celebration.
